Connections Viterbo Employee Newsletter
Jackie Herbers, left, and others share their work with colleagues at the Celebration of Faculty Scholarship in the Fine Arts Center FSPA Lobby Oct. 25.
Erik Stolhanske, a popular Hollywood comedian, actor, writer, and producer will share his poignant and often humorous story of overcoming obstacles and perseverance as part of the Viterbo University D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership’s fall lecture series at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 in the School of Nursing Building Collins Auditorium room 196.
Stolhanske was born without a fibula. He overcame his disability to achieve a very successful career and even surprised many of his fans with his appearance in the popular exercise program P90X. He is now sharing his story with audiences across the country.
Perhaps best known for his role as Rabbit in the hit comedy Super Troopers, Stolhanske has also performed in The Onion Movie, The Sweetest Thing, and Watching the Detectives...
Area residents who have been diagnosed with mid-stage dementia are receiving help from two Viterbo University nursing students undertaking a number of initiatives as part of an independent study course on gerontology. One of these projects is the Brain and Body Fitness class offered through the Aging and Disability Resource Center of La Crosse County.
Leading the current class cohort are Viterbo students Hillary Covington and Emma Lamke. The class, which meets twice a week at the La Crosse Wellness Center, consists of an hour of light strength, balance, cardiovascular, and language components followed by a half hour of social time. It is designed to help participants build and maintain their cognitive reserve as long as possible. The 10-week course began in April of this year, and...
People enjoy themselves at the Education Club’s annual Safe Trick or Treat event Oct. 26.
Everyone is invited to attend a reception with Fr. Larry Janowski, OFM, in celebration of his recently published book Dancing a Dizzy Holiness at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 in the Robers study area of the library.
Fr. Janowski will read a few selections from his book, which will be available for purchase for the Viterbo community discount price of $13. Cash or checks will be accepted.
Light snacks and refreshments will follow the reading.
Viterbo science faculty members receive a tutorial on the new Anatomage virtual dissection table Oct. 25. The table provides real human anatomy, life size, 3D ultra-high quality interactive images and clinical cases for anatomy education. Several science faculty plan to integrate the virtual dissection table in lower and upper level classes for pre-health and nursing majors as well other science majors and core curriculum courses dealing with the many facets of human and animal anatomy. “We look forward to sharing the unique learning opportunities that the table can provide with colleagues, students, and visitors to Viterbo,” said Michael Alfieri, biology.
The deadline for purchasing or renting faculty regalia is Thursday, Oct. 31.
Contact the bookstore for information on standard and fine quality regalia options at bookstore@viterbo.edu or 608-796-3848.
By Jodi Hilleshiem
“Students [will] identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively and responsibly use and share information in a variety of contexts.” What better way to meet one of the university’s information literacy learning outcomes than to schedule an in-person or online instruction session with me, Jodi Hilleshiem? I started my new position as Instruction and Electronic Resources Librarian Aug. 26, but I’m no stranger to Viterbo. Attending as an undergrad, I spent one break moving books from the old library on the third floor to its current location.
Are your students having difficulty finding credible sources? Do they give up if they can’t find full articles? We can instruct them on the wide variety of databases the library provides, giving them tips on limiting searches...
Connections Viterbo Employee Newsletter
The 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients were honored at a ceremony during Viterbo Days Oct. 11. Read about them here. Click for more photos from the event.
Viterbo’s outstanding Platinum Edition show choir and special guests will present The British Invasion: Music from Across the Pond at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.
The British Invasion: Music from Across the Pond will be a fun-filled evening of great singing and dancing featuring hit songs from British artists from the Beatles to contemporary pop icons.
“The show is awesome,” said Nancy Allen, music, the director of Platinum Edition. “It will feature great songs from the early invasion to the present day including hits from Adele, Ed Sheeran, Queen, the Bee Gees, and of course, Beatles fans won’t be disappointed.”
This show will include more medleys than previous years, allowing for more solos, duets, and ensemble performances. Guest...
Faculty are invited to attend the Celebration of Faculty Scholarship Friday, Oct. 25 from 3:30–5 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center FSPA Lobby.
If you performed, presented, or published in the last year, sign up to share your work via poster or round-table discussion at the annual event that honors faculty scholarship at Viterbo. Click to register to present or attend.
By Tessa Davis, fitness/wellness intern
Employees are asked to share some Viterbo wellness programming opportunities with students. Email wellness@viterbo.edu for respective promotional pieces.
Pause for Paws
- A chance to unwind and de-stress with a friendly visit from our favorite four-legged friends from the Coulee Region Humane Society. All dogs are registered therapy animals. The event is free.
- Time: 3:30–5 p.m.
- Dates:
- Tuesday, Nov. 12 on the Brophy Center Patio (or lobby in case of inclement weather)
- Monday, Dec. 2 in the School of Nursing Building Lobby
Self Defense Lessons
- Hosted by Donald from H&H Karate. Learn the basics of self-defense such as disarming, blocking, kicking, punching, escaping an attack, and more in order to protect yourself...
Everyone is invited to attend the Education Club’s 11th annual free Safe Trick-or-Treat event from noon–3 p.m. in the Mathy Center.
The event will feature a haunted house, snacks, games, prizes, face painting, storytelling, and trick-or-treating. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Monday Munchtime is back. Join the United Nations Club today, Oct. 21 anytime from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Diversity Lounge, Murphy Center 579.
Everyone is invited to enjoy Greek food prepared by Christina Repa.
The annual Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council (GLADC) will be held from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at Western Technical College in La Crosse.
Viterbo University is a member of the GLADC, so Viterbo employees and students receive discounted rates for attending GLADC educational events.
Click for more information about the conference.
Email Michelle Pinzl if you are interested in attending.
By Sue Danielson, health services
Once considered fringe, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments are gaining acceptance in Western medicine. Health care providers now are better able to understand the role these therapies play in helping to treat and prevent illness. As a result, doctors are starting to combine these techniques with conventional treatments.
When considering any treatment, take the time to learn about the risks and benefits. Gather information from a variety of sources and check credentials. Talk with your doctor before trying any new treatment, especially if you take medications, have chronic health problems, or you are pregnant or nursing. Here are just a few areas of complementary medicine:
- acupuncture
- chiropractic
- herbal...
Bold and Bright
The Reinhart Center received a new logo, lettering, and sign Oct. 18.
The Viterbo nutrition and dietetics class of 2020, who were selected as the winner of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2019 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo™ School Spirit Contest. Viterbo representatives will attend the awards reception and gala in Philadelphia on Monday, Oct. 28.
Connections Viterbo Employee Newsletter
Sr. Mary Ann Gschwind, Sr. Georgia Christensen, and Sr. Helen Elsbernd unveil the plaque in the newly named Fine Arts Center Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Lobby at a ceremony and reception Oct. 7.
Eduardo Chavez, grandson of the famous labor leader and founder of the United Farm Workers Cesar Chavez, will lead a screening of his documentary Hailing Cesar at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16 in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.
“Hailing Cesar is a film about my journey to understand the legacy and struggle of my grandfather,” Eduardo Chavez said. “My goal is to share his message with a new generation. This film is my first step in honoring his legacy.”
The screening of the film will be followed by a question and answer session with the filmmaker.
The event is free and open to the public. It is one of several being held in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. For more information about the film and filmmaker, and to view the trailer, visit ht...
By Polly Scott
From documentaries to live performances to nursing and counseling demonstrations, our new Academic Video Onlinecollection offers multi-disciplinary streaming content to view and share.
Faculty and students can find content to meet learning, teaching, and research interests including art and architecture, business and economics, counseling and therapy, dance, education, ethnic studies, ethnography, LGBT studies, health, history, humanities, law and public safety, literature, opera, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, science, theatre, and women’s studies.
Learn how to view and navigate video content including citing videos and viewing video transcripts. All of the content has been indexed and is discoverable through the library...
Students work during the Viterbo Day of Giving Oct. 10. The event was a big success, raising more than $56,000 for the university.
President Glena Temple will host a university forum for employees from 3:30–4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.
The forum will include updates regarding the recent Board of Trustees meeting, the strategic plan, the enrollment census, and the budget.
Registration is live for the Nov. 2 Service Saturday.
All Viterbo community members are invited to participate in the day, which runs from approximately 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. The service locations are Rotary Lights, Mississippi Valley Conservancy, Coulee Region RSVP, Eagle Crest South, FSPA Garden, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Registration is open until noon Tuesday, Oct. 29. Click here to sign up on UGetConnected.
Employees whose spouse or child will be graduating have the opportunity to present their diploma cover during commencement ceremonies.
Any Viterbo employee interested in presenting a family diploma cover for December commencement must notify the commencement committee by Thursday, Oct. 31. Academic regalia is required and may be rented from the bookstore. Click to read the full policy.
Viterbo Student Nurses Association members gathered to make tie-blankets to donate to local children in the hospital.
Viterbo students are invited to attend Graduate School 101 from 7–8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16 in Reinhart Center 201.
A panel of career services staff and current students who have been through the graduate application process will share helpful tips on how to navigate the road to graduate school.
Discussion topics will include selecting a program, the application process, and taking graduate exams. All majors welcome. Snacks will be provided.
The interactive presentation “Unconscious Bias: Can We See Our Blind Spots?” will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m.–noon at English Lutheran Fellowship Hall, 1509 King St., La Crosse.
The free event will be led by Reggie Jackson and Fran Kaplan from Nurturing Diversity Partners in Milwaukee. An RSVP is preferred but not required.
Click for more information. The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are one of many partnering organizations.
Connections Viterbo Employee Newsletter
Viterbo theatre and music theatre will present the Tony Award®-winning musical Into the Woods Friday, Oct. 11–Sunday, Oct. 13 in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.
“Be careful what you wish for…” Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s whimsical musical follows the path of unlikely characters as they journey deep into the woods and search for their path out of darkness. Into the Woods is a widely popular musical about sacrifice, consequences, and the actions that can haunt us. The musical intertwines the plots of several fairy tales, exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests.
“Into the Woods is a crafted masterpiece of monumental proportion and a giant part of the American musical theatre cannon,” said Matt Campbell, the Viterbo faculty member...
Shelly Mayer, executive director of Professional Dairy Producers, will open the 2019–20 Leadership at Noon series from noon–1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre Lobby.
Professional Dairy Producers is the largest dairy producer-led, educational-based organization in the country. The organization has led the national effort to define dairy animal well-being and maintain the confidence of customers that the industry embraces the moral obligation to take good care of their animals and produce safe and abundant dairy and meat products.
Mayer grew up on a dairy farm in southwestern Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural journalism and dairy science. Mayer’s work has helped dairy farm families...
Everyone is invited to attend the next Viterbo Identities Project event “Hunger and Homelessness in College Students” from 7–8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 in the School of Nursing Building room 196.
In a 2017 survey, 20% of college students reported being hungry, and 13% reported being homeless. Learn about food deserts, housing inequality, and other problems, both nationally and locally, as well as the resources available to help, and what everyone can do to make a positive difference.
By Zachariah Scott, Viterbo student nurse
Flu season has arrived early this year with confirmed cases of Influenza A in surrounding communities. Viterbo health services has already begun holding clinics for flu vaccination. Stop in to one of these clinics to receive your immunization: Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 2–4 p.m. in the Student Development Center, and Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 4–6 p.m. in the Student Union. People can also schedule an appointment on the health services website. Flu shots are $7 for students and $17 for employees.
Flu symptoms include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults (CDC, 2019)...
The members of the Viterbo hospitality committee invite all employees to enjoy a free fall harvest breakfast any time from 7:30–9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 in the School of Nursing Building Lobby.
The breakfast will include an oatmeal bar, fruit, a variety of muffins including apple, cranberry, and pumpkin, coffee, juice, and tea.
Viterbo employees are invited to attend these professional development opportunities this month.
- Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 9–10 a.m.: “Employee Well-being” – School of Nursing Building room 101. Join Marci Iverson and Tessa Davis (Viterbo’s fitness/wellness intern) as they discuss personal well-being. Personal wellbeing is multifaceted and interdependent. Participants will be able to describe seven dimensions of wellness, identify strengths, learn ways to engage at work and at home to affirm or build holistic well-being.
- Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 11 a.m.–noon: Webinar “Workplace Bullying: What, Who, and How” presented by FEI (Viterbo’s new EAP program) – School of Nursing Building room 101
- Thursday, Oct. 17 from 2–3 p.m.: “Understanding the Tuition Exchange Process” – Brophy...
The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) are joining other religious congregations in a global call to prayer for the Vatican’s October 2019 Synod, “The Amazon: new paths for the Church and for integral ecology” in Rome. During the Amazon Synod, bishops from around the world will gather to consider the dire ecological needs of the Amazon region and its people.
All are invited to the Global Tent, a space in which guests can experience stories, images and music of the Pan-Amazon Region. The Global Tent will be located in the St. Rose Convent courtyard and open to the public from Monday, Oct. 7–Sunday, Oct. 27.
The FSPA will host a community-wide prayer service for the opening of the Global Tent today, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m.
Connections Viterbo Employee Newsletter
Congratulations to Viterbo science faculty members Ted Wilson and Michael Alfieri for being recognized as “River Champions” from the River Alliance of Wisconsin at the organization’s annual River Bash. They received the award for their “sustained, exemplary efforts to protect Wisconsin’s waters.” Senior Viterbo students Elaine Remus (next to Wilson) and Alissa Griswold (next to Alfieri) also attended the event. Griswold was a paid intern at the River Alliance of Wisconsin this past summer. Click for more information about the award.
Viterbo music students will perform the one-act opera The Bewitched Child (L'enfant et les Sortilèges) by famed 20th century French composer Maurice Ravel at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 in the Fine Arts Center LaCroix Black Box Theatre.
The Bewitched Child is the story of a rude child who, after being scolded by his mother, throws a tantrum, destroying his room and harming the animals nearby. He is then surprised to find that the unhappy objects in his room come to life. The furniture and decorations begin to talk; even his homework takes shape as it becomes an old man and a chorus of numbers. They all sing out the pain and misery that the child inflicts on them, leading him to an understanding of compassion.
“It is a unique show featuring a great...
Viterbo University will host the 17th annual Seven Rivers Undergraduate Research Symposium Friday, Nov. 15. Most, if not all, of the events and sessions will be in the Fine Arts Center and the School Nursing Building. Oral presentations are scheduled from noon–2 p.m. and the poster session will be from 2–4 p.m.
Faculty and staff volunteers are needed to help in three main roles:
- Oral Presentation Room Facilitator: This person keeps the oral presentations on track with the schedule for the space they are assigned. They introduce the presenter(s) and inform the audience/judges of any updates or reminders. They also help tabulate evaluations after the oral presentations to determine overall winners in the three general discipline categories (natural sciences, social sciences...
Viterbo health services and student nurses provided Viterbo community members with flu shots, flu care bags (containing tissues, tea, thermometers, etc.), and other services the afternoon of Sept. 26. They gave 60 shots, 15 hemoglobin checks, seven blood pressure readings, and five blood sugar screenings. Health services will offer flu shots this week on Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 2–5 p.m. in the Student Development Center and Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 4–6 p.m. in the Student Union. The cost is $17 for employees and $7 for students.
By Jason Skoog
Viterbo’s archives preserves university materials of historical value and serves as an educational resource for scholarly and administrative research. The archives is located in room 132 of the library. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are welcome to visit. We’ve also recently upgraded our digital collections with a new look and improved navigation.
If you have questions, would like a tour, or would like to discuss ways the archives can help your department, contact Jason Skoog, archives and systems librarian, at jaskoog@viterbo.edu or 608-796-3262.
The following are examples of topics people have researched in the archives:
Students:
- How the nursing department formed
- School photos for a theatre set design
- How Viterbo was...
The Viterbo community is invited to celebrate the university’s Franciscan Heritage during St. Francis Week Sunday, Sept. 29–Saturday, Oct. 5.
Click for the full schedule of events.
All employees are invited to attend a dedication ceremony for the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre Lobby from 4–5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7.
Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. A brief program will begin about 4:30 p.m. during which the name of the newly renovated lobby will be announced.
All members of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have also been invited to attend.
An exhibit featuring the art of seniors Emmalia Prescott and Heather Walschinski entitled One Moment in Time will open with a reception from 5–6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 in the Viterbo University Gallery.
Prescott and Walschinski will exhibit prints, paintings, mixed media, photography, and graphic design work.
The exhibit will run until Friday, Oct. 25. There is no admission fee to the gallery, which is located on the third floor of the Viterbo Fine Arts Center. The gallery is open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. when school is in session.
Photograph: If I Only had a Head by Heather Walschinski.
Students check out one of the many offerings at the fall Career, Internship, and Graduate School Fair Sept. 26 in the Mathy Center.
Sign up to participate in the Make a Difference Day tri-campus Service Saturday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Oct. 5.
Serve at your choice of locations with others from Viterbo, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and Western Technical College followed by a pizza, reflection, and prizes. Service location options are Habitat for Humanity, Kane Street Community Garden, Mississippi Valley Conservancy, Bethany St. Joseph, the FSPA garden, Catholic Charities, Coulee Region RSVP, and the Salvation Army.
The deadline to register is the end of the day Wednesday, Oct. 3. Click here to log in to UGetConnected with your Viterbo ID. The light blue banner labeled “Make a Difference Day” will direct you to RSVP for the location of your choice.
Employees are invited to attend the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony and reception from 4–6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 in Reinhart Center 134.
Click to register by Thursday, Oct. 3.
More details on the award winners can found here.
Connections Viterbo Employee Newsletter
Students harvested vegetables at the Kane Street community garden in La Crosse during Service Saturday Sept. 21.
The Viterbo community is invited to attend two Identities Project events this week.
“Men in Nursing and Women in STEM: The Gender Binary in Professional Settings” will be held from 7–8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 in the School of Nursing Building 196. Have you ever heard that nursing is a “women’s job” or that technology jobs are “better suited” for men? Join the panel as they explore what the gender binary means to them, as well as share their experiences working in traditionally gendered careers.
“Identity and the Media: Discovery or Distortion?” will be held from 3:30–5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 in the School of Nursing Building 101. Where are you getting your information? Are you able to identify bias in reporting? Examine a current news story through the lens of multiple news...
Viterbo’s annual career fair will be held noon–3 p.m. Thursday, Sept 26 in the Mathy Center.
Students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from organizations from numerous industries and discuss career, internships, and graduate school opportunities.
The list of attendees and complete details are available here.
Employees are invited to attend the “Setting Up SharePoint” professional development session from 1–2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 in the School of Nursing Building room 285.
The session will be presented by Sarah Bearbower, Heather Butterfield, and Cari Mathwig Ramseier.
By Zachariah Scott, Viterbo Nursing Student
Diet is a popular topic of conversation around campus. It is widely known that diet practices among the college-age population have not been the best, with financial means, time constraints, stress, and healthy food options as contributing factors. These diet practices have been shown to contribute to health vulnerabilities in this population. Iron deficiency anemia is one example. There are many symptoms of anemia that affect the health, performance, and overall well-being of students. These symptoms include flattened brittle nails, dizziness, fatigue after physical activity, glossitis, tinnitus, headache, frequent minor infections, shortness of breath, taste disturbance, ice cravings, and angular stomatitis (Shoaib et al, 2014).
A...
Viterbo health services will offer flu shots to employees and students:
- Thursday, Sept. 26 during Healthy Living Week from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in front of Murphy Center (the Hawk’s Nest in case of rain). Health screenings of blood pressure, blood sugar, Hemoglobin testing, and Oxygen saturation will so be available.
- Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 2–5 p.m. in the Student Development Center
- Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 4–6 p.m. in the Student Union
- Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 2–4 p.m. in the Student Development Center
- Thursday, Oct. 15 from 4–6 p.m. in the Student Union
- By appointment: schedule a time on the health services website
The cost of a flu shot is $17 for employees and $7 for students.
A Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin blood drive will be held from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 in the Fine Arts Center Lobby.
Click to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. Call Sue Danielson, health services, at ext. 3806 with any questions.
Debra Murray, director of the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling program, discussed Viterbo’s recent $741,201 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration Opioid Workforce Expansion Program with Gregg Wavrunek, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s Western Wisconsin Regional Representative, Sept. 19.
The grant is being used to support Viterbo’s Vital Opioid Instruction through Community-based Experiential (VOICE) initiative, which is designed to increase the number and preparedness of graduate level mental health professionals providing opioid and other substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services to people of all ages.
The next Theology on Root Beer Tap event “A Christian Response to Immigration” will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept 25, in San Damiano Chapel.
Chuck Berendes, attorney at law, will present. The event is sponsored by religious studies and is free and open to the public.
A farmers market will be held from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 in the Franciscan Way circle. Fresh vegetables, honey, and other products will be available for sale from local vendors.
The event is sponsored by Healthy Living Week and the Student Sustainability Club.
Pappi’s Tacos y Mas and Fathead Steve’s food trucks will be in Assisi Courtyard from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23.
All employees and students are welcome to purchase food from either of the trucks.
